It's only a matter of time before another tragedy, says family of girl who died due to hospital errors

The family of a schoolgirl who died from a brain condition following a catalogue of errors by medical staff today warned it was “only a matter of time” before another tragedy occurs.

The parents of Amie Miller, who died at Basildon Hospital in Essex in 2008, called for senior management to be replaced following their five-year fight for the truth.

An inquest yesterday ruled medics missed a series of opportunities to save her life.

It comes after Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals was among 11 failing NHS trusts to be singled out by health secretary Jeremy Hunt.

Amie’s stepfather, Mbarek Aitmarri, from Stanford-le-Hope in Essex, told the Standard further action needed to be taken against the hospital.

He said: “Somebody needs to come in and say ‘let’s change the culture, let’s get rid of the lack of care and lack of value for life.’ Otherwise I believe it is only a matter of time before this happens again.”

Amie, who had been studying for her GCSEs at Grays Convent High School in Thurrock, Essex, was taken to Basildon A&E in November 2008 after suffering a seizure.

She died three days later from encephalitis, which causes an inflammation in the brain.

An inquest jury at Essex County Hall said medical staff had failed to carry out basic checks, administered inappropriate treatment and failed to properly communicate with one another.

Mr Aitmarri said he and Amie’s mother, Sonia Aitmarri had been shocked by the “chaotic” and “cavalier” atmosphere on the high dependency ward in the days leading up to her death.

They are now considering legal action against the hospital.

A hospital spokesman said: “The Trust would also like to apologise for failings in the care provided to Amie when she was treated here five years ago.”